Metal shaper



sept. s, 1942.

4J. H. SCHREIBER ET AL.

METAL SHAPER Filed May 14, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet l mlm Sept. 8, 1942. .1. H. SCHREIBER Isn-AL 2,295,130

v METAL sHAPER Filed May 14, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept. 8, 1942. J. H. scHREgBER E TAI- METAL SHAPER Filed Maly 14, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Sept 8, 1942 J. H. lSCHREIBER Erm. 2,295,130

METAL SHAPER Sept. 8. 1942'. J. H. scHRElBER ET AL METAL SHAPER Filed May 14, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Sept. 8, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE METAL SHAPER tion of Missouri Application May 14, 1941, Serial No. 393,463

18 Claims.

This invention relates to metal shapers; and has general reference to machine tools functioning as metal shaping machines.

In the chosen embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, the machine embodies means for varying the stroke length and the number of strokes per minute to suit the size and type of work to be machined. In some instances, it may be desired to machine short pieces which may be cut at a high rate of speed; and in other instances, it may be desired to machine long pieces requiring a low cutting speed. The selection of the combination of stroke length and stroke cycles to obtain the required cutting speed is usually dependent upon the selective discretion of the operator. This may be undesirable because an error in making the selection, by combining the maximum stroke length and maximum number of stroke cycles per minute, will cause excessive acceleration and deceleration forces to be set up in the mechanism, with consequent serious impairment of the life of the machine, sometimes resulting in complete failure.

Objects of the invention are to limit the frequency of reciprocating cycles obtainable in metal working machines to a predetermined maximum, dependent upon the selection of the desired stroke length, thereby coniining the reciprocating stresses in the mechanism within safe limits; to limit the cutting tool speed to an allowable maximum consistent with longer tool. life; and to provide means for overcoming or preventing error by the operator in making a selective combination of stroke length and stroke cycles.

Other objects will appear from the following description, reference being made to the annexed drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is an elevation of a shaper having our invention embodied therein, parts being in section to show more clearly important features of 'I- Fig. 5 is a plan view with parts in section of a portion of the control mechanism, on the line t 5 5 of Fig. '7.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation on the line 6--6 of Fig. '7, of the mechanism shown in Fig. 5, parts of the machine being shown in section.

Fig. 7 is a sectional View on the line I-l of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an appropriate form of hydraulic system in connection with a circulatory lubricating system embodied in the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional viewshowing one of the valves of the system in closed position.

Fig. 10 is a similar View showing the Valve open.

Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the crank pin velocities of a typical 24" shaper corresponding with definite steps of Variation in the frequency of reciprocating cycles and stroke lengths in combination each in proportion to a permissible ram velocity of 175 feet.

Fig. 12 graphically illustrates thevrelationship between permissible stroke lengths and frequency of cycles, stroke length and frequency combinations in the shaded area not being available because such combinations would produce a ram velocity in excess of 175 feet per minute.

Fig. 13 illustrates an electrical device controlling a piston element to prevent operation of the driving clutch, and consequently the `driving mechanism, in a manner similar to the hydraulic means shown in the preceding views of the drawings.

Fig. 14 shows another form of electrical device for the same purpose but acting directly on the motor.

Our present invention is adapted and intended for use in many types of machines. For illustration, the invention is shown embodied in a shaper comprising a frame I provided with a work support 2 connected for vertical adjustment with a threaded shaft 3. The carriage 4 is mounted for horizontal reciprocating movements along the top of the frame I and supports a tool 5 for operating on the work located on the support 2 when the carriage and thereby the tool 5 are reciprocated. The machine includes a rocker arm 6 having its lower end supported byv a pivot 1 mounted in the frame I and having its upper end connected with the carriage 4 for imparting reciprocating movements thereto when the rocker arm 6 is oscillated or rocked upon its supporting pivot l. A link 8 provides pivotal connection between the carriage 4 and the upper end of the rocker arm 6, whereby rocking movements of said arm 6 will impart reciprocating movements to the carriage 4 and thereby to the tool 5. These parts are arranged substantially in the manner disclosed in our copending application Serial No. 369,698, led December 12, 1940.

In the known type of machine in which the present invention is embodied and which is also disclosed in our said copending application Serial No. 369,698, the various gears 9, I8, II, I2, I3, I4, I5, I6 and I1 constitute trains of gearing for imparting rocking or oscillating movements to the rocker arm 6 to reciprocate the carriage 4. The gear I8 is attached to a rotary shaft I0 and the gears II and I3 are attached together and are splined for sliding or shifting movements along said shaft to mesh with the respective gears I2 and I4 attached to the rotary shaft I2. Gears I8, I9, 28 and 2| are splined for shifting movements upon a tubular shaft 22 and are shiftable into and out of meshing engagement with the respective gears I4, I5, I6 and I1. The gears I-I and I3 are shifted into and out of meshing engagementwith the gears I2 and I4, respectively, by the usual laterally movable shifter I I'. When the gear I I is in mesh with the gear I2, the gear I3 is out of engagement with the gear I4, and vice versa; and said gears II and I3 may be shifted to an intermediate position in which both are out vof engagement with the respective gears I2 and I4 (Fig. 2). The gears I8 and I9 are shifted into and out of meshing engagement with the gears I 4 and I 5, respectively, by the usual laterally movable shifter I8. When the gear I8 is in mesh with the gear I4, the gear I9 is out of engagement with the gear I5, and vice versa; and said gears I8 and I9 may be shifted to an intermediate position in which both are out of engagement with the respective gears I4 and I5. So, also, the gears 28 and 2| are shifted into and out of meshing engagement with the gears I6 and I1, respectively, by the usual laterally movable shifter 28. When the gear 28 is in mesh with the gear I6, the gear 2I is out of engagement with the gear I1, and vice versa; and said gears 28 and 2I may be shifted to an intermediate position in which both are out of engagement with the respective gears I6 and I1. Thus, these shiftable gears constitute variable speed drives for operating the machine within the required frequency of reciprocating cycles and through the desired stroke length.

The shaft and pulley of the motor 23 have driving connection 24 with a pulley 25 having driving connection 26 with the shaft 21 of an oil pump 28. Clutch mechanism 29 is provided for driving shaft 22 by the pulley 25. The shaft 30 is controlled by the mechanism 3I to which oil is delivered from the pump 28 through pipes 32 to regulate operation of the machine by the operating mechanism described. As disclosed in our said copending application, the means 3I`is controlled by oil passing from the pump 28 to prevent initiation of operation of the operating mechanism of the machine when the amount of oil contained in the reservoir 33 becomes insufficient, or passage of oil from said pump becomes retarded or reduced below a predetermined level. The pump 28 takes oil from the reservoir 33 through a pipe 34. A lubricating pipe 35 branching from the pipe 32 delivers oil to the machine operating mechanism, as more fully disclosed in our said copending application.

It is known that the trains of gearing in the machine shown provide eight reciprocating cycle speed changes in approximate steps of 10, 141/2, 21, 30, 43, 62, 98, and 130 cycles per minute. These speed changes are effected by shifting the gear unit II, I3 from engagement with the gear I2 to engagement with the gear I4, respectively, and by shifting the gear units I8, I8 and 28, 2! to effective positions as desired. The machine also provides an infinite stroke length variation by turning the shaft 36 (Fig. 2) to adjust the crank 31 to vary the extent of oscillating movement of the arm 6. This is graphically illustrated in Fig. 11 in which the axis of the shaft 36 is indicated by 38, and the crank 31 is shown in varicus adjustments the velocity of which in each of such adjustments is indicated in the schedule included in Fig. 1l. The cylindrical rack 39 is screwed on the shaft 36 and moved longitudinally when said shaft is turned to vary the changed positions of the crank 31, and is held from turning with the shaft by a key 49. The rack 39 meshes with a pinion 4I formed on the spindle 42 and having the usual pointer 43 attached to its upper end and cooperating with a dial 44 (Fig. 4) to indicate the effective positions of the crank 31. The outer end 45 of the shaft 36 has the usual formation for engagement by a chank or other operating device whereby said shaft may be rotated to move the crank 31 to its different adjusted positions indicated by the pointer 43' at the dial 44.

A pipe 46 branches from the pipe 32 and is provided with a valve 41 actuated to closed position by a spring 48. When the valve 41 is closed, oil cannot ow through the pipe 46 and, as a consequence, pressure is applied to the mechanism 3|. As disclosed in our copending application Serial No. 369,698, the mechanism 3I controls initiation of operation of the machine. Operation of the machine cannot be initiated when the amount of oil contained in the reservoir 33 is insufficient or .passage of oil from the pump becomes retarded or reduced below a predetermined level, or when the oil is bypassed through the pipe 46. A cam 49 attached to the shifter II is arranged to engage and open the valve 41 when the shifter II' is moved to engage the gear I3 with the gear I4 to obtain high speed. This will prevent the mechanism 3I from being operated .by oil pressure from the pump 28, provided additional valves controlling flow of oil from the pipe 46 are open.

The pipe 46 opens into a valve housing 58 which, in the specific embodiment shown, contains four valves 5I, 52, 53 and 54, exactly vlike the valves 41 and actuated to closed positions by springs like the springs 48. Four pipes 55, 56, 51 and 58 open from the valve housing 5D and flow of oil from the pipe 46 to said respective pipes is controlled by the valves 5I, 52, 53 and 54. Cams 59 and 60 on the shifter 20 are arranged to control the valves 5I and 52. When the shifter 28 is in its intermediate position to hold the gears 26 and 2I out of engagement with the gears I6 and I1, both of the valves 5I and 52 remain closed. When the shifter 28 is moved longitudinally to engage the gear 2I with the gear I1, the cam 59 opens the valve 5I, leaving the valve 52 closed. When the shifter 20 is moved longitudinally in the opposite direction to engage the gear 28 with the gear I6, the cam 60 opens the valve 52, leaving the valve 5I closed.

The shifter I8 is equipped with two cams 6I and 62 to control the valves 53 and 54. When the shifter I8 is moved longitudinally in one directicn to engage the gear I9 with the gear I5, the cam 6I opens the valve 53, leaving the valve 54 closed. And, when the shifter I8 is moved longitudinally in the opposite direction to engage the gear I8 with the gear I4, the cam 62 opens the valve 54, leaving the valve 53 closed. It is known that in these machines, both Shifters I8 and 20 cannot be operated together and that,

when either shifter is operated, it is impossible to operate the other.

The pipes 55, 56, 51 and 58 open into a valve housing 63, and are controlled, respectively, by valves 64, 65, 66 and 61, exactly like the valves 41 and actuated to closed positions by springs like the springs 48. The valves 64, 65, 66 and 61 are controlled or opened by cams 68, 69, 10 and 1I attached to the spindle 42. A pipe 12 extends from communication with all of the valves 64, 65, 66 and 61 to the oil reservoir 33. The pipe 12 functions to return to the oil reservoir any oil passing thereto. The valve 41 is held open by the cam 49 only when the gear I3 is engaged with the gear I4 for high speed operation. The valve 5I is held open by the cam 59 only when the gear 2| is engaged with the gear I1 for high speed operation; the valve 52 is held open by the cam 69 only when the gear 20 meshes with the gear I6; the valve 53 is held open by the cam 6I only when the gear I9 is engaged with the gear I5; and the valve 54 is held open by the cam 62 only when the gear I8 is engaged with the gear I4. Even though any of the valves 5I, 52, 53 or 54 be held open, oil cannot pass thereto through the valve 41 unless the gear I3 is engaged with the gear I4.

When the axis of the crank 31 is in alinement with the axis of the shaft 36, the pointer 43 is at on the dial 44, and all of the valves 64, 65, 66 and 61 are closed. Turning of the shaft 36 to vary the extent of movement of the arm 6 and thereby vary the stroke length of the arm or carriage 4 moves the cylindrical rack 39 longitudinally in an inward direction along the shaft 36 (Fig. 2), thereby turning the spindle 42 and all of the cams 68, 69, 19 and 1I to open successively and hold open the valves 64, 65, 66 and 61. Thus, when the gear I3 is meshed with the gear I4 and the valve 4'! is held open as desired; when any one of the valves 5i, 52, 53 or 54 is opened and held open by its shifter device and cam as described and in a particular combination with the opening of one or more of the valves 64, 65, 66 or 61 by the respective cams 68, 69, 16 and 1I, oil will be bypassed through one of the pipes 55, 56, 51 or 5S dependent upon the stroke length and speed selection combination, and away from the mechanism 3l, and the machine cannot be operated. Operation of the machine cannot be initiated when said valves are opened and held open simultaneously in the manner mentioned because pressure will not be applied to the mechanism 3I through the pipe 32.

Fig. 12 graphically and diagrammatically illustrates the maximum permissible stroke lengths for different numbers of strokes per minute. Speciiically, Fig. 12 illustrates the maximum permissible stroke lengths for 43, 62, 90 and 130 strokes per minute, while Fig. 11 illustrates the crank pin velocity for these different stroke lengths. The shaded portion of Fig. 12 represents conditions under which the valve 41 and the valves 5I and 64, or the valves 52, 64 and 65, or the valves 53, 64, 65 and 66, or the valves 54, 64, 65, 66 and 61, are open.

As diagrammatically shown in Fig. 13, a normally open electrical switch 13 is substituted for the valve 41; four normally open electrical switches 14 are substituted for the valves 5I, '52, 53 and 54; and four normally open electrical switches 15 are substituted for the valves 64, 65, 66 and 61. These sets of switches are wired in series. The switch 13 is closed by the cam 49 in the same manner that the valve 41 is opened by said cam. The switches 14 are closed by the cams 59, 60, 6I and 62, respectively, in the same manner that the valves 5I and 52 are opened by the cams 59 and 66 and in the same manner that the valves 53 and 54 are opened by the cams 6I and 62, respectively. The switches 15 are closed by the cams 68, 69, 19 and 1I inthe same manner that the valves 64, 65, 66 and 61 are opened by said cams. These switches are closed in the same combinations and under the same circumstances as said Valves are opened. When the switches are closed, the solenoid 16 is energized, thereby moving the piston 'I1 toward the left from the position shown to prevent operation of the mechanism 3! of which the piston 11 is a part. When the switches are closed in the same combinations in which the valves for which said switches are substituted are opened and under the same circumstances, it will be impossible to start the machine because the mechanism 3l must be operated to effect engagement of the clutch 29 to operate the machine. At least three switches in a combination must be closed to render the machine inoperative, just as three valves including the valve 41 and -o-ne of the valves in each of the series of four valves in 'the combination described, must be opened to render the machine inoperative. This electrical mechanism may be desirable for use in connection with machines `driven from line shafts and without circulatory lubrication systems.

Fig. 14 illustrates another form of electrical device for the same purpose but acting directly on the motor 23 instead of the mechanism 3i'. In this arrangement, the switches 13', 14 and 1-5 are normally `closed and are wired in parallel. The switch 13 is substituted for the valve 41; the switches 14 are substituted for the valves 5I, 52, 53 and 54; and the switches 15' are substituted for the Valves 64, 55, 55 and 61. The switch 13 is arranged to be opened by the cam 4S; the switches 14 are arranged to be opened by the cams 59, 56, 5I and 52, respectively; and the switches 15 are arranged to be opened by the cams 68, 69, 19 and 1I, respectively, just as the switches 13, 14 and 15 are closed by said respective' cams. When these switches are opened in the same combinations that the valves are opened to prevent operation of the machine, the machine will likewise be rendered inoperative because the wiring to these switches is a part of the motor circuit. Therefore, when the switches are opened, the motor cannot be started. Likewise, when the machine is running at a certain reciprocating frequency allowable on shorter strokes, and then the stroke length is increased sufficiently to cause the reciprocating velocity to exceed the predetermined maximum, the motor electrical circuit will be opened and the machine stopped, just as the machine is stopped under similar circumstances by opening the valves in the combinations described. This arrangement is useful on motor driven machines not equipped with circulatory lubricating systems.

It is now clear that this invention provides means for limiting the frequency of reciprocating cycles in metal shaping machines to a predetermined maximum dependent upon selecton of the desired stroke length, thereby confining the reciprocating stresses in the mechanism Within properly safe limits; and also provides means cooperating with the mechanism controlling initiation of operation of the machine for preventing effective operation of said mechanism so that operation of the machine cannot be initiated under the conditions to be guarded against. This invention may be varied Widely Within the scope of equivalent limits Without departure from the nature and principle thereof.

We claim:

1. In a metal shaping machine having mechanism mounted for reciprocating movements, and means for selectively Varying the length of such movements; an oil pump operated in synchronism with the operation of said mechanism, and means cooperatively associated with said oil pump to limit the frequency of reciprocating movements of said mechanism to a predetermined maximum dependent upon the length of such reciprocating movement 2. In a metal shaping machine having mechanism mounted for reciprocating movements,

means for reciprocating said mechanism and for i selectively varying the length of said movements, and mechanism for operating said means; an oil pump operated by said last named mechanism and in synchronism with the operation of said first named mechanism, and means cooperatively associated With said oil pump to limit the frequency of reciprocating movements of said rst named mechanism to a predetermined maximum dependent upon the selected length of such reciprocating movements.

3. In a metal shaping machine having mechanism mounted for reciprocating movements, means for selectively varying the length of such movements, and mechanism for selectively varying the frequency of said movements of said rst named mechanism; an oil pump operated by said last named mechanism and in synchronism with said rst named mechanism, a device controlled by oil passing from said pump for controlling initiation of operation of said last named mechanism, and means cooperatively associated With said oil pump to limit the frequency of reciprocating movements of said rst named mechanism to a predetermined maximum dependent upon the length of such reciprocating movements and also to prevent initiation of operation of the machine when said first named means is in any one of a number of predetermined adjustments.

4. In a metal shaping machine having mechanism mounted for reciprocating movements, and means for selectively varying the length of such movements; devices preventing initiation of operation of the machine when the machine is insufficiently lubricated, and means cooperatively associated with said devices to limit the frequency of reciprocating movements of said mechanism to a predetermined maximum dependent upon the selected length oi such reciprocating movements.

5. In a metal shaping machine having mechanism mounted for reciprocating movements, and operating mechanism for reciprocating said first mechanism at selected speeds and at selected lengths of movement; an oil pump, a device controlled by oil passing from said pump controlling initiation of operation of said second mechanism, and means cooperatively associated with said oil pump to limit the frequency of reciprocating movements of said first mechanism to a predetermined maximum dependent upon the length of such reciprocating movements.

6. In a metal shaping machine having mechanism mounted for reciprocating movements, and operating mechanism for reciprocating said first mechanism at selected speeds and at selected lengths of movement; an oil pump, a device controlled by oil passing from said pump controlling initiation of operation of said second mechanism, and means cooperatively associated with said oil pump to limit the frequency of reciprocating movements of said first mechanism to a predetermined maximum dependent upon the length of such reciprocating movements and also to prevent initiation of operation of said second mechanism.

7. In a machine having elements mounted for operation, and variable speed gearing for operating said elements at selected speeds; an oil pump, means forming passages for conducting oil from said pump, and devices cooperatively associated with said passages to prevent initiation of operation of said gearing when said gearing is adjusted for operation beyond a predetermined limit.

8. In a machine having elements mounted for operation, and variable speed gearing for operating said elements; an oil pump, means forming passages from said oil pump for conducting oil therefrom, valves in said respective passages, and mechanism for preventing initiation of operation of said gearing when said valves are open.

9. In a machine having elements mounted for operation, and variable speed gearing for operating said elements; an oil pump, means forming passages from said oil pump for conducting oil therefrom, valves in said passages, mechanism for preventing initiation of operation of said mechanism when said valves are open, and devices for opening certain of said valves when said variable speed gearing is adjusted for operation beyond a predetermined limit of speed.

l0. In a machine having elements mounted for operation, mechanism for operating Said elements, and devices for varying the extent of movement of said elements; an oil pump, means forming passages from said pump for conducting oil therefrom to control initiation of operation of said elements, valves in certain of said passages for regulating flow of oil therethrough and preventing initiation oi operation of said elements beyond a predetermined limit of speed, and means for opening said valves when said devices are set in predetermined positions.

11. Ina machine having elements mounted for operation, a motor, and variable speed gearing operative by said motor for operating said elements; movable means controlling operation of said mechanism by said motor, a device for preventing operation of said movable means, a .pump operated by said motor for applying liquid under pressure to said device and thereby moving said device to position to permit operation of said means, a selectively settable device for varying extent of operation of said elements, and means controlled -by said last named device for bypassing liquid from said first named device and preventing movement of said iirst named device by said liquid to confine frequency of cycles otf operation o'f said elements Within a predetermined range.

12. In a machine having elements mounted for operation, variable speed gearing for operating said elements, a motor, and a lubricant pump operated by said motor; devices operated by lubricant passing from said pump controlling initiation of operation of said gearing by said motor, means for varying the stroke length of said elements during their operation by said gearing, and means for bypassing liquid from said pump to prevent initiation of operation of said gearing by said motor beyond a predetermined speed limit.

13. In a machine having elements mounted for operation, variable speed gearing for operating said elements, shifter devices for setting said gearing in different positions to operate said elements at diierent speeds, a motor, a pump, a device for controlling initiation of operation of said gearing by said motor, means for conducting lubricant from said pump to said device under pressure to move said device to a position permitting initiation of operation of said gearing by said motor, and a settable device controlling stroke length of said elements during operation and bypassing liquid from said nrst named device to prevent operation thereof by said liquid under pressure from said pump and thereby preventing initiation of operation of said gearing by said motor.

14. In a machine having elements mounted for operation in reciprocating cycles, and gearing for operating said elements; a motor, a pump constantly driven by said motor when said motor is operating, devices`for operating said gearing by said motor, means for setting said devices to operate said gearing or not as desired when said motor is running, means for preventing initiation of operation of said gearing by said motor when an insuicient amount of lubricant is available to said pump, means for varying the extent of movement of said elements, and devices controlled by said last named means for bypassing lubricant from said second means and thereby preventing initiation cf operation of said gearing by said motor.

15. In a machine having elements mounted for operation, variable speed gearing for operating said elements at different speeds and including means for varying the length of movement of said elements, a motor for operating said gearing, a pump, a clutch device controlling operation of said gearing by said motor, means for preventing initiation of operation of said gearing by said motor, pipes for conducting liquid from said pump under pressure to operate said means and enable said gearing to be operated by said motor, a device for Varying the stroke length of said elements, and means controlled by said last named device for bypassing lubricant from said pump and preventing initiation of operation of said gearing by said motor.

16. In a metal shaping machine having mechu anism mounted for reciprocating movements, and means for selectively varying the length of such movements; a uid pump, means for operating said pump, and means cooperatively associated With said pump to confine the frequency of reciprocating movements of said mechanism Within a predetermined range dependent upon the length of such reciprocating movements.

17. In a metal shaping machine having mechanism mounted for reciprocating movements, means forselectively varying the length of such movements, and mechanism for selectively varying the frequency of said movements of said first-named mechanism; devices controlled by said last-named means and by said mechanism for preventing the operation of the first-named echanism outside of a predetermined range of reciprocating stroke length and frequency combinations.

18. In a machine having elements mounted for operation, variable speed gearing for operating said elements, a motor, and a uid pressure pump operated by said motor; devices operated by fluid pressure from said pump controlling initiation of operation of said gearing by said motor, means for varying the stroke length of said elements during their operation by said gearing, and means for bypassing uid from said pump to prevent initiation of operation ofsaid gearing by said motor outside of predetermined stroke length and frequency combinations.

JOHN H. SCHREBER. FRANCIS H. DEAN. 

